Which of the following best describes a difference between internal attributions and external attributions?

• A. Internal attributions focus on group dynamics, while external attributions focus on individual differences.
• B. Internal attributions always result in positive evaluations, while external attributions always result in negative evaluations.
• C. Internal attributions assign the cause of behavior to personal traits or characteristics, while external attributions assign the cause to situational factors.
• D. Internal attributions are only used when explaining other people's behavior, while external attributions are only used for our own behavior.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of attribution in psychology, which refers to how people explain the causes of behavior and events.
2. Step 2: Define internal attributions as explanations that assign the cause of behavior to personal traits, abilities, or characteristics of the individual.
3. Step 3: Define external attributions as explanations that assign the cause of behavior to situational factors or environmental influences outside the individual.
4. Step 4: Compare the options given by identifying which one correctly contrasts internal and external attributions based on their focus on personal versus situational causes.
5. Step 5: Recognize that the correct description is that internal attributions assign causes to personal traits or characteristics, while external attributions assign causes to situational factors.